Last month the Houston Rockets created a pseudo self-imposed deadline in an effort to jump-start trade talks for big man Omer Asik. Before you scoff at the idea, remember that trades and pretty much everything else business related in the NBA doesn’t get done until there is some kind of deadline pressure to make a deal, so why not try to create your own deadline?

Still didn’t work. Houston couldn’t get an offer they liked so they pulled back and kept Asik. They’d play him, but he currently remains out with a bruised right thigh.

While they will listen to offers, don’t be surprised if the Rockets keep him past the Feb. 20 trade deadline, reports Ken Berger at CBSSports.com.